UM basketball team excited about late-season homestand

After beginning with six of nine games on the road, the Hurricanes finish with four of five at home. They face Duke Wednesday at BankUnited Center

February 16, 2010|By Shandel Richardson, Sun Sentinel

CORAL GABLES — Miami Hurricanes coach Frank Haith chose to keep quiet when asked about the officiating in last Saturday's loss at Clemson.

A few days later, Haith refused to bite his tongue when the subject of the Hurricanes' schedule arose. UM played six of its first nine Atlantic Conference games on the road, but finish with four of five at home.

Haith believed the early portion of the schedule was unfair, wondering if any team from a power conference endured a similar stretch.

"Look at all the other power conferences in the country and see if there's another team that did that," Haith said. "It is disappointing, to be very honest with you, but it is what it is. I think we were dealt a hand that is extremely difficult."

With the tough part behind them, the Hurricanes (17-8) are hoping a late-season homestand can help make up for the poor start. At 3-8 in the ACC, they need to win at least four to have a chance of getting an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The most difficult remaining game comes against No. 6 Duke at 7 p.m., Wednesday at BankUnited Center.

The Blue Devils have won four in a row, but the Hurricanes expect the homecourt to provide an edge.

"There's no question it gives them an extra boost of confidence to knowing they have their peers and fans pulling for them and encouraging them," Haith said. "You have that support, that backing. That encouragement is irreplaceable."

The Hurricanes, who have yet to play consecutive league games at home, would also like to produce a victory on a special night. At halftime, former UM players Jack McClinton, Don Curnutt and Dick Hickox will have their jerseys retired.

"It's definitely a confidence builder," forward Adrian Thomas said. "It's not a secret that we play better at [home]. As long as we play hard, it's going to be in our favor."

Still, not even a home crowd will make things easier against the Blue Devils (21-4, 9-2). Guards Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith and forward Kyle Singler combine to average 53.2 points, the best three-man scoring combination in the NCAA.

Although they are a concern, Haith said the key is containing the role players. Duke rallied from a double-digit deficit in the second half to win last year's meeting 78-75 in Durham, N.C. A big reason for the comeback was the play of reserve David McClure. He had 13 rebounds, including seven offensive.

"Nobody is going to shoot until those guys get their hands on the ball," Haith said. "But we cannot underestimate that those role guys make plays. … [McClure] gave them second opportunities that really, to me, won the game for them."